Is sickness a blessing?

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.
Aug 23, 2018
51
14
8
And sends them cancer, gets their child hit by a car, gives them covid and all the other things sin has caused to exist.

God works through what we incur usually because of our own or others sin. God does not have a handbook of disease to send here to cause 'growth'. Notice whenever the Israelites were 'afflicted', they caused it themselves.

We actually grow as we seek God and have our minds renewed by His word...the Bible. This is not the Old Testament and Christians now have the Holy Spirit within them. God can and does cause good to come out of trouble, calamity and whatever we may suffer in this world.

Does God send us disease and sickness? Absolutely not! But He does allow things to happen and we often suffer because of what we do and then cry out to Him.

God is good. He is not evil.
God took credit for afflicting Job, a man God commended to the devil for being a good man.
 

HopeinHim98

Well-known member
Mar 16, 2023
529
417
63
I didn't look at all 10 pages of this thread so someone likely already pointed this out, but I'll say it anyway. What about Paul and his "thorn in the flesh"? He prayed 3 times for God to remove it, and what was God's answer? "My grace is sufficient for thee, my strength is made perfect in weakness." Then Paul said he'd GLORY in his INFIRMITIES. Wow. That's faith if you ask me.
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
26,074
13,778
113
What about Paul and his "thorn in the flesh"?
That was a physical disability. It must have been very annoying. But God allowed it to remain. At the same time, Paul was never sick, even though he constantly traveled all over the Roman empire.
 

HopeinHim98

Well-known member
Mar 16, 2023
529
417
63
That was a physical disability. It must have been very annoying. But God allowed it to remain. At the same time, Paul was never sick, even though he constantly traveled all over the Roman empire.
I'm not remembering where it says Paul was never sick, could you reference that for me?
 
N

Niki7

Guest
God took credit for afflicting Job, a man God commended to the devil for being a good man.
The devil afflicted Job. He asked permission from God to do so because he was out to prove that Job would turn against God when trouble came. And trouble came by the truckload but Job did not turn on God.

You know, I cannot expect a person to really understand the principals being discussed in this thread, while they do not even understand what happened in the book of Job.
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
26,074
13,778
113
I'm not remembering where it says Paul was never sick, could you reference that for me?
The Bible does not say "Paul was never sick". It simply does not report any time when Paul was actually laid low with sickness. So I cannot prove a negative.
 
Aug 23, 2018
51
14
8
The devil afflicted Job. He asked permission from God to do so because he was out to prove that Job would turn against God when trouble came. And trouble came by the truckload but Job did not turn on God.

You know, I cannot expect a person to really understand the principals being discussed in this thread, while they do not even understand what happened in the book of Job.
I base my views on verses like this:

Job 2:3
And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.
 

studentoftheword

Well-known member
Nov 12, 2021
1,747
609
113
What about Paul and his "thorn in the flesh"?
You need to go back and read the Context of 2 Corinthians 12 ------this tells you a lot of Paul's thorn in his side -----

God took Paul to the 3rd heaven and Gave Him some information that was not to be known by others ----so to keep Paul from being puffed up God Allowed Satan to harass Paul -------

verse 7 says this ----- Therefore,[g] so that I would not become arrogant, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to trouble[h] me—so that I would not become arrogant.

Paul wasn't sick ----he was troubled -----by Satan ------Paul Healed people -----as did all the Disciples ----they were never sick -----and neither was Jesus ------Sin caused sickness and disease in the Old testament ---Jesus took all sin for all people ---so now without Jesus your sins are not Forgiven -----you a Sinner still and prone to Sickness and disease ----Born Again People can still get sick if they allow the cares of this world to invade their peace ---stress ---anxiety ---fear ----doubt ---unbelief of what Jesus did on the Cross --etc -----

The scriptures clearly state that Jesus took all Disease and Sicknesses with Him on the Cross so that His Children could have wellness and wholeness in their lives to serve Him -----you cannot serve others when you are at home Sick ------not one of the Disciples were ever laid up with sickness or disease so they couldn't do God's work -------

SOZO -is Salvation ----I say ------If your sick your not healed -----and if your sick your not whole ----which goes against what Jesus did on the Cross -----

Strong's #4982: sozo (pronounced sode'-zo)
from a primary sos (contraction for obsolete saos, "safe"); to save, i.e. deliver or protect (literally or figuratively):--heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole.
sōzō

1) to save, keep safe and sound, to rescue from danger or destruction
1a) one (from injury or peril)

1a1) to save a suffering one (from perishing), i.e. one suffering from disease, to make well, heal, restore to health

1b1) to preserve one who is in danger of destruction, to save or rescue

1b) to save in the technical biblical sense

1b1) negatively
1b1a) to deliver from the penalties of the Messianic judgment

1b1b) to save from the evils which obstruct the reception of the Messianic deliverance

I say -----You either believe this or you don't -----

Matthew 8:17
New American Standard Bible
This happened so that what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet would be fulfilled: “HE HIMSELF TOOK OUR ILLNESSES AND CARRIED AWAY OUR DISEASES.”
 

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
61,128
30,260
113
Pay attention here Folks -----God speaking Here-in Scripture below ---Proverbs 4

-- ----Telling you to kept His WORD _____Who is Jesus ------in the midst of your heart ------so you can have Life and HEALTH To all your Flesh ------NO SICKNESS MENTIONED HERE ------and He is telling you to keep your HEART with all Diligence ----because out of it FLOWS the ISSUES of LIFE ------

So keep His Word ---(Jesus )-----in your midst -- and don't allow the Issues of Life in that cause your ill health and eternal death to invade your space --------

Keep your Gate closed to the cares of this world and your enemy Satan -----and rely on God's word and do as it says and Health and Peace will be your Friend ----when you loose your peace within ---Stop and reflect on God's Word to regain your inner Peace -----peace brings health --------





I know this as I myself have not been to a doctor in 14 years ---I use to be plagued with Migraine Headaches- monthly --and had Bronchitis every winter -----but NO more as I have done what this scripture said -------- no sickness --or disease -----no flu --no colds --no nausea --no headaches ----I am 75 years old and very healthy and on NO MEDS at all -----I live a Great Healthy --joyest ----happy --wonderful life ----doing what God wants me to do ---and keeping (Jesus) ---The Word Close to my Heart -------

God has lead me to Look after an 83 year old lady who has crippling Arthritis and I have not missed a day in 14 years looking after her because I am sick or have ill health ------we have prayers and devotion every morning ----she has been able to cope better with her pain and has made progress with her mobility issues -----her Faith is growing in Christ every day ----through hearing the word --prayers and devotion -----

View attachment 250322





So the HEBREW WORD for diligence is

Strong's #4704: spoudazo (pronounced spoo-dad'-zo

from 4710; to use speed, i.e. to make effort, be prompt or earnest:--do (give) diligence, be diligent (forward), endeavour, labour, study.

Proverbs 4:20-23
Thank you .:)
 

Gideon300

Well-known member
Mar 18, 2021
5,439
3,218
113
That is not what the Bible says ---God Said Job was a faithful up right man


Job 1

International Standard Version

Job’s Faithfulness
1 There once was a man in the land of Uz[a] named Job. The man was blameless as well as upright. He feared God and kept away from evil

It was he supposed 3 friends who said Job was self righteous -----they were not really good friends and surmised juob had sinned -----
Job 3:25
"For the thing I feared has overtaken me, and what I dreaded has befallen me."

Job spent the next year defending himself and complaining about his lot. When God answered his prayer and talked to Job, Job had nothing to say. God did not explain Himself to Job. Job was convicted and repented:
Job 42: 2-4
“I know that You can do all things and that no plan of Yours can be thwarted. You asked, ‘Who is this who conceals My counsel without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak. I will question you, and you shall inform Me.’ My ears had heard of You, but now my eyes have seen You. Therefore I retract my words, and I repent in dust and ashes.”
 

studentoftheword

Well-known member
Nov 12, 2021
1,747
609
113
Job 3:25
"For the thing I feared has overtaken me, and what I dreaded has befallen me."
That statement has nothing to do with why God allowed Satan to inflict JOB ----

The Scripture tells you why God allowed Satan to have his way with Job ----and it is not because he feared --
-it is because Satan said to God ---you protect him but if you take away all he has he will CURSE you to your Face ---and God knew Job's Faith would stand the test and he would remain Faithful to Him no matter what Satan took from Him ------and that test Job Passed -------he remained Faithful to God through his ordeal and proved Satan to be a liar ------and God restored Job to more than he had -------


But I will say that this statement you post is a very important Statement as it shows us that what we Fear will come upon us ----we attack to us what we Fear ----as we are all energy and the energy you send out will come back to you -----if you fear a break in of your house ----that fearful energy can and most likely will attract a thief to your house ----I do believe in the energy you put out will come back to you -----if you put our good energy --good will come back to you --------

What you fear will come to pass ------important to get ------ in my view
 

SweetJoy

New member
Mar 29, 2023
4
2
1
I do not believe sickness would exist if sin did not exist. But it does. I also believe God did not desire for any to suffer and be in pain. (Physical, emotional, spiritual, etc.) However, after the fall of mankind in Eden, sin prevailed. Sin curse at birth was a result from Adam's sin. Satan also has temporary reign on this Earth. So is sickness a blessing itself, no? Yet, I believe the reference being made in this writing is referring to the benefits we can glean from sickness. (Drawing close to God, deeper in prayer, leaning on HIS healing, and the compassion we gain for other because of our suffering, etc.) If in the right state of balance in our Christian life, we can glean and be a witness for Christ to others through our illnesses. Some of the most amazing women I have met in ministry have terrible illnesses and ailments. Truthfully, it encourages me. Even when I do not know all they go through or every bit of their life. It is another avenue God can and will use to magnify Himself through you if you allow it.

Remember, people use wicked twists in scripture reference all the time to accomplish their desire. Sometimes, even in the bounds of the "church", so if someone says your suffering is meant for you, remember God's desire was never that! That was a product of sin. And although HE will use it for HIS glory, He cares for you and your illness! But, I will be in prayer for your health friend, have a blessed day!
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Bruce_Leiter

Active member
Feb 17, 2023
427
193
43
I like the writing of the Rev J R Miller, he imparts much wisdom and clarifies Biblical questions.

However, today I read a section in which he maintains that sickness is a blessing for which we should always be grateful.

I am not sure at all about that! My health of late has not been good and I definitely DO NOT feel it is a blessing. I pray to Jesus for healing and strength and I always feel comfort is given. I want to be well and I believe Jesus heals, He spent His ministry on earth healing people. He wants us to have life abundantly - surely this does not mean suffering?

To me all sickness and disease is bad and frightening. Yes we learn lessons and grow in character by earnest prayer, by leaning on God and trusting Him to heal us. I know many people do live very great productive lives DESPITE awful afflictions. This we may certainly admire and take inspiration from. Certainly we don't learn anything useful during easy good times, adversity is often a time of learning true lessons.

But to call sickness an actual blessing is going too far in my view. Can and should anyone actually welcome illness? I am just not made of such stern stuff!

What evidence is in the Bible to say sickness is a blessing? Do you suffer long-standing illness and do you consider it a blessing?
God has allowed three kinds of chronic physical pain in my life. They are my "thorn in the flesh," pretty literally (2 Corinthians 12:1-10). Paul discovered that "When I am weak, I am strong." That is, God has humbled him and me through pain. Humility in my life means I'm much more dependent on God; prayer is like breathing to me now. Pain is not a blessing, but the spiritual lessons and changes that God has brought out of my pain are.

All of these blessings came as a result of persistent prayers for months sharing my feelings honestly with God in laments like David, Job, and Jeremiah. Then, God gave me his peace to accept my pain (Philippians 4:6-7).
 

glf

Active member
Mar 18, 2023
307
130
43
70
Be not deceived, God is not mocked, whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap. If he soweth to the flesh, he shall from the flesh reap corruption. And if he soweth to the Spirit, he shall from the Spirit, reap life everlasting.

Sin has three effects upon a person. Spiritual sins require Jesus' infinite sacrifice. But the effect of sin upon the body and soul, require physical, emotional, and mental healing: from which, Jesus also came to save us.
The physical, mental, and emotional corruption produced by sin, either our own or others, leads us all to realize that we're helpless and when Jesus is lifted up, we're drawn to him by our need. We love him because he first loved us.

Look at those who take communion unworthily; many were sickly and some sleep. They failed to judge themselves and were therefore judged by the Lord. They didn't heed the Lord's correction and died for not discerning the Lord's body and blood during communion.
Whenever bad things happen to others, it is for us to hurt with them and pray or do something to help; whenever something bad happens to me, I suspect the Lord's correction and get into scripture to repent. If we just repent in our mind and heart, it's filthy rags; but if the Holy Spirit uses the word of God to clean, correct, and renew us in repentance, it produces a godly sorrow not to be repented of and is therefore pleasing to the Lord.

Not only does sin produce sickness, but the Lord also makes it to rain upon the just and the unjust. We're supposed to show the lost of the world, that we're different, by how we react when bad things happen. By being able to praise the Lord in spite of the situation, by maintaining our empathy for others and hurting when they hurt. By being the light of the world in this present evil generation. By lifting up Jesus to those in need.
So, sickness is the result of sin in the world and Jesus came to same to save his people from their sin.
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
7,188
113
I cant think of any instances in the Bible where sickness is a blessing. It can be a teacher, but I cant imagine it being a blessing.

Otherwise we would just all be sick and throw up on each other in church and bless each other with vomit right? :sick:
 

Cameron143

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2022
20,074
6,880
113
62
I cant think of any instances in the Bible where sickness is a blessing. It can be a teacher, but I cant imagine it being a blessing.

Otherwise we would just all be sick and throw up on each other in church and bless each other with vomit right? :sick:
Then a child may truly be said to be the spitting image of his or her parents.